A Jessica Cox-inspired Echuca has set a new bar in Goulburn Murray Cricket’s senior women’s competition.
In last weekend’s round nine action at Victoria Park, Echuca Green belted a record 241 runs off 25 overs against Nathalia, with skipper Cox top-scoring with a rapid 77 off 40 deliveries.
She formed a brutal partnership with Grace Moyle, who made a half-century of her own with 54 before both retired after their allotted 40 deliveries at the crease.
Contributions from Chloe Moyle (33) and Maisy Byrne (18 not out) ensured Echuca eclipsed Beechworth’s record of 220, one that has stood for two years.
Echuca was equally clinical with the ball, with Moyle (Chloe) snaring season-best figures of 5-11 to bundle out Nathalia for 46.
The win means Echuca will head into the Christmas break on top of the ladder at the expense of the unbeaten Mooroopna, who has played a game less.
The Cats have beaten all before them so far, but needed an extra gear in a tight tussle with Bamawm-Lockington United.
Lions’ skipper Liz Chapman won the toss and opted to bowl first at Mooroopna Reserve, a decision that paid dividends after restricting the Cats to 7-97.
India Patch bowled tightly with her figures reading 1-6 after three overs while wickets to Danieka Hucker, Amy Fitzgerald and Ruby Brentnall rounded out a tidy performance with the kookaburra.
In the run chase, Fitzgerald and Bree Styles fired the Lions to the perfect start, putting on an opening stand of 34 runs.
Amy Fitzgerald top-scored for the innings with 26 before departing to the bowling of Ebony Sleeth, but from that point the Lions lost consistent wickets, eventually running out of overs and falling 11 runs short on 8-86.
At Princess Park, Shepparton United was too strong for Rochester despite a gallant performance with the bat from Imogen Kath (29 runs), earning a nine-wicket victory.
Three rounds remain in the season, with six spots up for grabs in finals.
Echuca and Mooroopna stand as the teams to beat in first and second, while Shepparton United and Katamatite round out the top four.
Nagambie and Kyabram Redbacks are fifth and six, with Nathalia a game behind in seventh.